Overall view of the damaged house
Extensive cracking through the top of the column
Extensive cracking through the top of the column
Extensive cracking in the brickwork
Project:Investigation of cause of house damage as a result of burst water main.
Client:Major Insurance Group
As a result of extensive building damage allegedly resulting from the leaking / bursting of a water main close the main wall of a residence in Wagga Wagga, the firm was asked to investigate the probable causes of the building damage and its correlation to the burst water main.
The correlation [or otherwise] of the damage to the leaking of the water main was considered important because of the insurance issues relating to 'bursting or fracturing of pipes'.
The firm's investigations revealed that the site foundation materials were subject to shrink / swell and consequently the injection of water under the footings would cause localised foundation swelling and consequent building damage. As a result of this conclusion, it was then possible to formulate a remedial works plan that did not involve demolition of the building which then led to resolution of the claim.